The quiet, gradual approach of a Tennessee spring stirs my imagination as I consider its promise of renewal. Upon its arrival, we are given to reflect upon the goodness and joy of all things being made new once again, even as we are still submissive to winter's lingering and uncompromising place in the coldness of day and night–that dreary draft where one can never seem to be warm or settled.

Blankets and fires have covered and warmed us like a loved one's embrace, but they provide only temporary relief. Just outside their securities, the cold lurks, ready to remind us of our broken realities again. True, the pain of winter is occasionally—though rarely—interrupted by moments of glorious reprieve through snowfall that reminds us: even in the darkness and cold, there are cherished graces of joy, beauty, and silence, though fleeting at best. Nonetheless, almost on cue, the snow melts, leaving behind dirty paths and a slushy mess to navigate.

Finally, after what seems like an eternity, I sense the sunlight breaking through, yielding longer days, warmer temperatures, and a sense that something wholly new is happening. Daffodils bloom on the roadsides as one calling in the wilderness, “Make ready for spring.” The Lord has begun the process which only He can control–the creation of life & beauty from seemingly nothing.

Cherry blossoms, dogwoods, and azaleas burst forth almost overnight, bringing color to the previously monochromatic canvas. The fescue planted long ago breaks free from the dirt and shoots toward the sky, reaching for its source of light and energy. 

Bluebirds and mockingbirds call feverishly in song, greeting the arrival of what they intuitively know is a season of new life. Their voices can be heard just beyond the tree-line. Melodies to excitedly welcome spring. The long-awaited regeneration of that which previously seemed dormant–perhaps even lifeless. 

Foxes, rabbits, and other creatures of the forest wake from their slumber, bounding through the fields in joyful celebration. They prepare for the joy-filled renewal that awaits them in the arrival of offspring to continue the cycle their Creator defined ages ago.

When spring arrives at long last, and the darkness of winter becomes only a memory, may we greet its warmth with joyful celebration and thanksgiving, ever reminded that death does not have the final word. Pain, struggle, and suffering are real–even expected–but they are not the end, nor will they always be. 

As our seasons unfold toward spring, completely unhurried, we reflect upon the goodness and joy of all things being made new once again. We celebrate the atoning work of Christ upon the cross, seeing the arrival of spring as an imperfect yet precious reminder of our hearts’ longing for ultimate renewal. That day where sin and pain no longer exist–where disunity, hostility, and resentment are foreign constructs existing only in a prior life.

Almighty God, we cry out to You with gratitude, joy and hope. We plead for You to do in us what only You can–and what this season so uniquely reminds us is possible. Restore, renew, regenerate, rejuvenate, renovate, refresh, and resuscitate this life of ours in ways that only You can. We await with anxious anticipation for that which is ONLY in Your power. 

Amen.

Contributed by: Austin Henderson

Reflection:
 

1. As you’ve made your way through this devotional, have you noticed any changes in your relationship with God? What specific moments or practices contributed to these changes? 
    
2. In what ways has God “made something new” in your life during this journey? What areas of your heart or mind feel renewed, refreshed, or different from when you began?
    
3. Today’s entry speaks of the slow, less-than-immediate shift from winter to spring. How have you seen God working in the “in-between” moments, even when the change wasn’t immediate or obvious? What does this teach you about His faithfulness?

Sabbath Moment (Optional ~10-15 minutes): 

Spring emerges gradually, teaching us that true renewal takes patience. In the quiet, we find an important opportunity to embrace stillness and draw closer to God. With this practice, you are invited to set aside 10-15 minutes at some point today for a “mini-Sabbath” in His presence. Find a quiet space, free from distractions, and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, allowing the weight of your day to lift as you ground yourself in this moment. 

Silence and waiting can be seen as a negative, but take this time to let the stillness envelop you like a warm embrace as you open your heart to the gentle whispers of the Holy Spirit. Surrender your thoughts to Him, inviting His presence to fill the quiet space around you. When your time is up, take a moment to breathe deeply, then carry the peace you’ve cultivated into the rest of your day.